Shloka 6.114.96
रावणस्य अन्त्येष्टिः — Ravana’s Funeral Rites and the Ethics of Post-War Conduct
तच्छ्रुत्वापरमप्रीतोरामोधर्मभृतांवरः ।।।।विभीषणमुवाचेदंवाक्यज्ञंवाक्यकोविदः ।
tac chrutvā paramaprīto rāmo dharmabhṛtāṃ varaḥ |
vibhīṣaṇam uvācedaṃ vākyajñaṃ vākyakovidaḥ ||
Hearing this, Rāma—foremost among upholders of dharma and skilled in speech—addressed Vibhīṣaṇa with great affection.
On hearing Vibheeshana's words, Rama, who is good at expression, very affectionately, upholding virtues, spoke as follows to Vibheeshana.
A dharmic leader responds to moral doubt with clarity and compassion; dharma is communicated through measured, skillful speech.
After Vibhīṣaṇa’s objections, the narration turns to Rāma’s reply—setting up his guidance on what should be done.
Rāma’s combination of dharma and empathy—he is pleased with thoughtful counsel and answers with affectionate instruction.